The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns fell to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 22-10 on Saturday inside Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The loss moves the Cajuns to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in SBC play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Louisiana began the game with a stop defensively, and then one of their best drives of the season. They went 16 plays and 85 yards, scoring a touchdown on a Lunch Winfield run to go up 7-0.
A series of unsuccessful drives led to the Cajuns coming through with a turnover forced. However, UL failed to convert after the turnover and could not add to the lead.
Southern Miss would miss a field goal, but Louisiana gave them the ball back on an interception. After that, USM scored via a Matt Jones rushing score to tie the game at 7.
Another missed opportunity happened for UL, as they missed a 37-yard field goal. The Golden Eagles also ended up with a field goal try, but they made theirs this time, taking a 10-7 lead.
Towards the end of the half, it looked like the half would end without anything else. However, Walker Howard entered the game and threw an interception that was returned into field goal range, allowing USM to take a 13-7 lead into the half.
The opening drive of the second half was fruitful for UL, producing a field goal. That cut the lead to 13-10.
After that, UL had USM backed up to the two yard line with a third and long. The Golden Eagles converted on a 98-yard touchdown pass to flip the momentum and take a 20-10 lead. Braylon Braxton found Micah Davis for the score.
The Cajuns had a chance to cut into the lead after a nice drive. However, Winfield fumbled at the goal line, and USM kept their 10 point lead.
The lead stayed that way. Trying to drive late, Winfield was sacked for a safety, making it 22-10. USM held on at that score.
BIG NUMBER: 98
The 98-yard connection was the longest in program history for Southern Miss. It was the back-breaker, as it opened this game up in the wrong direction.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Micah Davis
His 98-yard score was the biggest play of the game. He caught three passes for 134 yards and that touchdown on the day.
UP NEXT: Louisiana travels to Troy to face the Trojans on Saturday, October 25th at 6 PM.